Ralph "Larry" Cross of Wichita, Kansas, passed away December 12, 2024.  Larry was born March 12, 1944, to Ralph and Leona Cross.  He grew up in Macon, Missouri, and graduated from Macon High School in 1962.  He played the trombone in band and sang in vocal music groups.  Throughout high school, he and Martha Bram dated, and he carried her saxophone when he walked her home after school.  In 1966, he graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla with a degree in civil engineering.  He and Martha married in June after they had graduated and moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he began his career at Boeing Aircraft.  He worked in the commercial and military divisions and became licensed as a Professional Engineer.

Larry and Martha enjoyed fishing and boating and caring for the many basset hounds they had over the years. Martha passed away in 2007 and was buried in the Bram family plot in Hamilton, Missouri.

Carol Erickson, one of Martha's bowling friends, helped Larry through the difficult days.  Their relationship deepened, and in November of 2008, they were married.  With the marriage, Larry inherited a large, loving family.  He and Carol loved spending time with the family and enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii.  Their honeymoon was a train trip to the west coast and back.  Carol passed away in January of 2023.  In addition to Martha and Carol, Larry was preceded in death by granddaughter, Michaela Erickson.

Larry leaves behind stepdaughter, Kimberly (Mel) Whiteside; stepson, Michael (Tricia) Erickson; grandchildren, Brandon (Emily) Whiteside, Lauren (Ben) Griffis, Christian (Caroline) Whiteside, Graham (Hannah) Whiteside, Marissa (Seth) Pennington, Miranda (Brian) Hamrick;  sixteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sarah Bram Barrows and James Barrows; nephews, Matthew (Katie) Barrows and Ryan (Alicia) Barrows; and great-nephew, Liam Barrows.

A Graveside Service and Interment:  1 p.m., Monday, December 23, 2024, at Highland Cemetery, Hamilton.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Wichita at a later date.